The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1887-05-08
SLAIN BY HIS WIFE.
Shocking Tragedy at Greensburg-John
Fromer Shot and Almost Instantly Killed.


speciaI to the Indianapolis journal
GREESsBURG, May Hannah n Fromer
shot and killed her husband. John Frorner at
$50 o'clock this morning. The history of the
events leading up to the tragedy is about as fol-
lows: John Fromer industrious German
gentleman, about fifty years old, who formerly
resided near AIihousen this county. There, a
few years ago. his first wife died, leaving six chill
dren the Oldest being now the wife of Henry
Becraft, of this city. Fromer afterward moved
to town, and on Sept. 10. 1855, married Hannah
N Lovd who to-day murdered him.
He has been the agent here of
the Indianapolis Brewing Company. and
furnished beer to the different retail dealers. He
has always been highly regarded for honesty and
industry The wife who slew him was at the
time of their marriage widow, her maiden
name having been Jocelyn. She is forty FIVE
wears old rather above ordinary size, and with
al a fne-looking -woman-au intelligent-appear-
ing blonde, usually we'll dressed, and of becom
ing demeanor. She had two. children, a son and
daughter, both married.
Soon after the marriage of Mr.. and Mrs. Fro
mar, discussions arose about some property she
had, and perhaps about his children, Also Mat
tiers grew worse, and separation came. After
ward Reconciliation was effected but soon an
disagreement
up town, she remaining at her home in the west
part of the city. They frequently met, howev-
er, but their difficulties could not be adjusted.
She says he promised to come to her house last
night, but did not keep his promise This
duct on his part no doubt increased her anger
toward him.
Early this morning she came UP town, and.
after searching for him at different places. went
to the saloon of his brother Charles on South
Broadway, where she had often met him, and
found him in the front room. Other occupants
of the house were In the rear part, and only
heard low conversation between them for mo-
ment or two. He seemed to DE asserting to
something shs said, when he asked her what she
had under her shawl Instantly she drew forth.
with her left had. British bulldog revolver of
32-caliber and, placing 1t almost directly over
his heart fired the fatal shot. Charles Fromer,
the brother. rushed forward, when she seemed
ready to fire a second shot, grabbed and dis
armed her. The wounded man clasped his
arms across his breast and exclaimed: "Im
shot! I'm kiledw and soon sank to the floor. A
physician called, but the man was dead IN
five minutes after the shot was fired. The wife,
who was so irate moment before began at once
a pitiful wailng. aad, upon being led up the
street. said: II did not want to kill him, but
the Lord told / could not helpit. prayed
the Lord all night TO keep me from It" Upon
being taken to the Mayors Office. she kept up
the same manner of conduct. indicating insanity
but many who witnessed her conduct think
there is much method in her maddess."
She at once thought of saving herself, and en-
ployed counsel to attend to her defense Soon
after she taken to Jail, whore she will re-
main until Monday morning at 8 o'clock. when
preliminary hearing will be held by Mayor
Creath At o'clock this afternoon inquest
was held by Esquire Johnson, as the Office of
coroner is vacant by the death. week ago. of
Coroner Sanders Much sympathy is expressed
for the dead mans family and other friends
Many persons think the woman is really lusane.as
it is said she tried to poison herself several
months ago. after he had refused TO live with her
longer. Fromer has said to different persons
that he afraid she would do him some harm,
but evidently did not expect such result
this. There is yet three weeks OF this term of
court, and she may be tried before it closes
The affidavit filed against her to-day charges her
with murder in the first degree, which crime she
has certainly committed, if she is not insane
and therefore, not responsible for her conduct.